PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to finish the Islamist terror group Abu Sayyaf after allegedly turning back on their word with the government.
While he extends a hand of peaceful cooperation with other rebel groups, Duterte reiterated his tough stand against Abu Sayyaf and terrorism.
“On [terrorism] there is no backing out as in the anti-drug campaign. The country would be devastated here, we do not derive any benefits from them [the Abu Sayyaf],” Duterte said, in a mixture of English and Filipino during his visit to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.
“They would not honor any talks. All they want is kill, kill, kill, kill. That’s all they know. Let’s finish them,” he added.
Duterte was in Jolo on Thursday to visit soldiers wounded in recent clashes with the Abu Sayyaf. The province is known to be a stronghold of the ASG.
In the same speech, Duterte said his administration was in talks with Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front as well as leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to help in the pursuit of peace in the country.
“Nur Misuari is talking to me, pleading for more time while he assembles his members. We should no longer have a problem except terrorism and the killer drugs,” Duterte said.
Duterte personally pinned medals to two officers and 26 other enlisted personnel who are recuperating from the hospital, commending the men’s bravery in service of the country.
The soldiers also each received cash assistance, a firearm and a mobile phone for their personal use.